Shohei Ohtani Set for Dodgers Return With Leadoff Role in Question

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is set to be activated on Wednesday, September 23rd, after missing a few weeks with right arm soreness.

According to manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani will return immediately to the starting lineup on Wednesday and is set to be the leadoff hitter, though the skipper is weighing whether to split time with Mookie Betts depending on the matchup.

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Ohtani had been slumping badly as the leadoff hitter, while Mookie Betts has had one of the best months of hitting on the team.

The Japanese star will likely have to prove he can hit before fully taking over the leadoff role.

Sep 19, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) works out on the field prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Why Shohei Ohtani was put on the injured list

Ohtani’s swing and plate approach looked off over the last handful of games, and the Dodgers saw enough to sit him.

His left knee injury and right bicep discomfort both stem from his pitching work.

The Dodgers initially benched Ohtani without putting him on the injured list, but after he returned for a game and still looked compromised, they officially placed him on the IL.

Aug 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a single against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

What has Ohtani been doing while on the IL

Ohtani rested for the first half of his 15-day IL stint, but has started swinging the bat again more recently.

As he has continued to progress, Ohtani has improved enough to be activated.

Additionally, for the Dodgers’ recent road series, he has not traveled, opting to stay in Los Angeles and work at home.

These next few games will show where he is and what he can deliver at the plate, and they’ll let him shake off the rust before the postseason.

By all accounts, he should be much improved, since he said rest would help most. Now, that theory will be tested.

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Nelson Espinal

Nelson Espinal lives and breathes sports. He previously wrote for the San Bernardino Sun and the Daily Express. His dream of writing about sports began at 16, when he started writing for a Lakers fans blog, and his passion for sports writing has grown since. He has his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in writing literature from the University of California, San Diego.

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